“We expect to receive the first capabilities — the first Gripen — within the next 10 months,” Zelensky said.
“We will do everything we can on our end. It is important that these aircraft come with the appropriate armament, and they will help, among other things, in our defense against Russian guided aerial bombs.”
Zelenskyy said the first delivery will amount to a squadron of Gripen fighters for Ukraine and called it “extremely significant” support.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry later said Zelenskyy signed an agreement with the Swedish government under which Ukraine will buy up to 20 multirole JAS 39 Gripen E fighters. The ministry added that 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be delivered as military aid.
Zelenskyy arrived in Sweden on an official visit May 28. He
said Stockholm had pledged $2.7 billion in military assistance, more than $2
billion of which is earmarked for aircraft and about $400 million for UAVs. He
also said Ukraine plans to eventually buy 150 Gripens, as outlined in the initial
letter of intent signed in October 2025.